(SAN DIEGO, Calif.) – On September 14, the Airport Authority (San Diego, CA) joined GIA (Gemological Institute of America) in officially opening the “GIA Celebrates Birthstones” exhibit at San Diego International Airport. The exhibit contains more than 250 gems, minerals and jewelry from around the world.

The GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit at San Diego International Airport features a replica of the jeweled Victoria’s Secret Bra.

GIA Celebrates Birthstones features lavish displays showcasing birthstones for each month of the year, as well as an enormous 22,000-carat faceted quartz and a replica of the jeweled Victoria’s Secret Bra. The exhibit will be on display through February 20, 2012 and is located in Terminal 2 West, post-security.

Representatives from both the Airport Authority and GIA addressed the crowd, including GIA President and CEO Donna Baker. “We want to offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the San Diego International Airport Art Program for providing us the opportunity to install the GIA Celebrates Birthstones exhibit,” said Baker. “In selecting a focus for this display, we wanted to be relevant and appealing to all travelers from around the globe. Since everyone has a birthstone, it was the perfect choice. Our mission is to protect the public trust in gems and jewelry – and engaging, inspiring and educating people about gems and jewelry is part of that mission.”

Amethyst is one of the many birthstones on exhibit through Feb. 20, 2012 at San Diego International Airport.

GIA Celebrates Birthstones is part of the San Diego International Airport Art Program, which was established in 2006 to engage travelers in innovative, memorable and considerate experiences, creating an ambiance unique to San Diego and welcoming people to the airport and region. The program consists of three components: temporary and rotating exhibits, performing arts and public art. Visit art.san.org for more information.

About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4 Cs of Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat Weight in the early 1950s and in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which, today, is recognized by virtually every professional jeweler in the world.

Through research, education, gemological laboratory services, and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism. Visit www.gia.edu for more information.